MLA Teslyn Barkman. (Photo: Stock File)
Falklands delegation travels to Argentina for fishery talks
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Friday, May 11, 2018, 22:30 (GMT + 9)
Next Monday, May 14 four representatives from the Falkland Islands Government’s Natural Resources Department will be part of a UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office lead delegation meeting with the Government of Argentina, in Buenos Aires, to begin two days of discussions on fish and squid stocks in the South Atlantic.
According to a statement of the Falklands Government, the talks will also include the possibility of resuming the exchange of scientific fisheries data for the benefit of the region, Mercopress informed.
This meeting follows an outline agreement within the September 2016 Joint Communiqué between the UK and Argentina, which highlighted the need for improved cooperation and positive engagement on South Atlantic issues of mutual interest.
MLA Teslyn Barkman, portfolio lead for Natural Resources, including Fisheries, said:
“We have one of the best managed fisheries in the world, which actively works to minimize the risk of over-fishing in our waters. The 2016 Joint Communiqué pledged to remove all obstacles limiting the economic growth of sustainable development of the Falkland Islands including fishing, and attending these discussions will give us the opportunity to move forward in our efforts to conserve our marine resources and the long-term sustainability of fish stocks we share.”
Prior to the announcement of the Government, the secretary of the Association of Fishing Companies of the Falkland Islands, Stuart Wallace, had already spoken out in favour of bilateral talks, but stressed the need for the fishing private sector to be also represented in the meeting, particularly when fishing on the high seas is addressed.
During the 1990s, Argentina and the Falkland Islands met twice a year to evaluate fishery resources and exchange scientific information. On some occasions, scientific research cruises were also carried out with representatives of both countries.
John Barton, Falklands-government Director of the Natural Resources Department will head the Islands delegation.
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